As an amendment to motion S5M-15096 in the name of Fergus Ewing (Sea Fisheries and End of Year Negotiations), insert at end "; is concerned by recent reports of alleged illegal fishing activities, and calls for the use of robust vessel tracking and monitoring technology on all Scottish fishing vessels.”

As an amendment to motion S5M-15096 in the name of Fergus Ewing (Sea Fisheries and End of Year Negotiations), insert at end "; is concerned by recent reports of alleged illegal fishing activities, and calls for the use of robust vessel tracking and monitoring technology on all Scottish fishing vessels.”

Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 11/12/2018

That the Parliament welcomes the publication of The Impact of Brexit on the international Student Experience at Stirling, a research paper by University of Stirling Students' Union; understands that international students account for almost a quarter of all students at the university and notes that the report identified the welcoming community that students found in Scotland and at the university; believes that many of those who participated in the research highlighted the uncertainty around an end to freedom of movement, future visa requirements and potential restrictions on international students or workers, which it considers presents a major barrier in planning for their futures, and calls on the UK Government to urgently clarify how it will support further education institutions, staff and students to continue making an immense contribution to Scottish society.

That the Parliament welcomes the publication of The Impact of Brexit on the international Student Experience at Stirling, a research paper by University of Stirling Students' Union; understands that international students account for almost a quarter of all students at the university and notes that the report identified the welcoming community that students found in Scotland and at the university; believes that many of those who participated in the research highlighted the uncertainty around an end to freedom of movement, future visa requirements and potential restrictions on international students or workers, which it considers presents a major barrier in planning for their futures, and calls on the UK Government to urgently clarify how it will support further education institutions, staff and students to continue making an immense contribution to Scottish society.

That the Parliament congratulates the International Union for Conservation of Nature on launching its Global Green Alliance in Edinburgh; understands that the Global Green Alliance is a global initiative that aims to create greener, more liveable cities that will improve the health, wellbeing and prosperity of people living in urban areas; believes that access to green spaces provides numerous mental and physical health benefits; considers that urban areas are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change, and acknowledges the need for the Scottish Government and the UK as a whole to tackle climate change with urgency.

That the Parliament congratulates the International Union for Conservation of Nature on launching its Global Green Alliance in Edinburgh; understands that the Global Green Alliance is a global initiative that aims to create greener, more liveable cities that will improve the health, wellbeing and prosperity of people living in urban areas; believes that access to green spaces provides numerous mental and physical health benefits; considers that urban areas are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change, and acknowledges the need for the Scottish Government and the UK as a whole to tackle climate change with urgency.

Supported by: Andy Wightman, John Finnie

Current Status: Fallen on 28/11/2018

That the Parliament understands that the charitable trust, the Carman Foundation, has recently purchased the "green heart" of Dunblane, Holmehill, which it plans to develop as a resource for the community; notes that the 14-acre greenspace in the town centre is situated to the east of the Allan Water and overlooks Dunblane Cathedral; acknowledges that the Holmehill Community Buyout group have been campaigning to keep the land open for public access since 2005; believes that it is an important landscape feature that supports mature woodlands, has open areas of grass and scrub and contains a well-used path that links the town centre with the east of the town; acknowledges that the new owners have invited members of the community to a consultation event on 23 September 2018 to discuss the future of the site; believes that this will offer a useful opportunity for people to express their views, and looks forward to Holmehill continuing to play an important role for the Dunblane community.

That the Parliament understands that the charitable trust, the Carman Foundation, has recently purchased the "green heart" of Dunblane, Holmehill, which it plans to develop as a resource for the community; notes that the 14-acre greenspace in the town centre is situated to the east of the Allan Water and overlooks Dunblane Cathedral; acknowledges that the Holmehill Community Buyout group have been campaigning to keep the land open for public access since 2005; believes that it is an important landscape feature that supports mature woodlands, has open areas of grass and scrub and contains a well-used path that links the town centre with the east of the town; acknowledges that the new owners have invited members of the community to a consultation event on 23 September 2018 to discuss the future of the site; believes that this will offer a useful opportunity for people to express their views, and looks forward to Holmehill continuing to play an important role for the Dunblane community.

That the Parliament accepts that fish are sentient individuals with the capacity to suffer; understands that keepers of animals are obliged under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 to prevent them suffering unnecessarily; is aware of photographic and video evidence published by The Ferret showing, it believes, farmed salmon at a site in Loch Roag on the Isle of Lewis, suffering from heavy sea lice infestations as well as fin and tail damage; considers that these fish will have suffered in these circumstances; notes the animal welfare concerns described in the recent OneKind report, Fish Welfare on Scotland’s Salmon Farms; believes that the operator of the company has stated that animal welfare challenges are “industry-wide”; understands that the industry aims effectively to double production to between 350,000 and 400,000 tonnes per annum, which is estimated to be over 75 million individual fish, by 2030, and calls on the Scottish Government to support a moratorium on such expansion until the industry can guarantee that farmed salmon have a good life that is worth living.

That the Parliament accepts that fish are sentient individuals with the capacity to suffer; understands that keepers of animals are obliged under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 to prevent them suffering unnecessarily; is aware of photographic and video evidence published by The Ferret showing, it believes, farmed salmon at a site in Loch Roag on the Isle of Lewis, suffering from heavy sea lice infestations as well as fin and tail damage; considers that these fish will have suffered in these circumstances; notes the animal welfare concerns described in the recent OneKind report, Fish Welfare on Scotland’s Salmon Farms; believes that the operator of the company has stated that animal welfare challenges are “industry-wide”; understands that the industry aims effectively to double production to between 350,000 and 400,000 tonnes per annum, which is estimated to be over 75 million individual fish, by 2030, and calls on the Scottish Government to support a moratorium on such expansion until the industry can guarantee that farmed salmon have a good life that is worth living.

That the Parliament notes what it sees as the serious animal welfare concerns related to the export of dairy calves; congratulates the BBC documentary, Disclosure – the Dark Side of Dairy, on bringing these concerns to the public's attention; welcomes the announcement by P&O Ferries that it will cease co-operating with the Scottish Government to transport across the Irish Sea young calves destined for continental Europe with immediate effect; celebrates the pioneering work of Mossgiel Farm in Ayrshire and The Ethical Dairy in Dumfries, which it considers are demonstrating humane and economic alternatives to the export of calves, and encourages stakeholders and the Scottish Government to work together to build a thriving, sustainable and ethical dairy industry in Scotland.

That the Parliament notes what it sees as the serious animal welfare concerns related to the export of dairy calves; congratulates the BBC documentary, Disclosure – the Dark Side of Dairy, on bringing these concerns to the public's attention; welcomes the announcement by P&O Ferries that it will cease co-operating with the Scottish Government to transport across the Irish Sea young calves destined for continental Europe with immediate effect; celebrates the pioneering work of Mossgiel Farm in Ayrshire and The Ethical Dairy in Dumfries, which it considers are demonstrating humane and economic alternatives to the export of calves, and encourages stakeholders and the Scottish Government to work together to build a thriving, sustainable and ethical dairy industry in Scotland.

Supported by: Colin Smyth, John Finnie, Ross Greer, Alison Johnstone

Current Status: Fallen on 28/11/2018

That the Parliament notes that the campaign group, 20’s Plenty for Us, now has 400 branches across the UK; congratulates volunteers from Strathblane on becoming the 400th branch to join the movement, advocating for safer streets; believes that 20mph speed limits reduce traffic speed, making streets safer and healthier place to live, work and play, and wishes the campaigners continued success.

That the Parliament notes that the campaign group, 20’s Plenty for Us, now has 400 branches across the UK; congratulates volunteers from Strathblane on becoming the 400th branch to join the movement, advocating for safer streets; believes that 20mph speed limits reduce traffic speed, making streets safer and healthier place to live, work and play, and wishes the campaigners continued success.

Supported by: David Torrance, Bill Kidd

Current Status: Fallen on 28/11/2018

That the Parliament congratulates the station staff and local community in Aberdour on winning the Best Small Station award at the National Rail Awards in London; understands that the award was judged on its customer service, cleanliness, presentation, garden and floral displays; recognises that a new community heritage centre opened at the station in 2017 and that a signal box has been restored and converted into an artists' studio; congratulates the volunteers at the Aberdour Heritage Centre and Station Gardens Group, who have created a pleasant and relaxing place to catch a train, and wishes them all the best for the coming year.

That the Parliament congratulates the station staff and local community in Aberdour on winning the Best Small Station award at the National Rail Awards in London; understands that the award was judged on its customer service, cleanliness, presentation, garden and floral displays; recognises that a new community heritage centre opened at the station in 2017 and that a signal box has been restored and converted into an artists' studio; congratulates the volunteers at the Aberdour Heritage Centre and Station Gardens Group, who have created a pleasant and relaxing place to catch a train, and wishes them all the best for the coming year.

As an amendment to motion S5M-13876 in the name of Fergus Ewing (Celebrating Scotland’s Food and Drink Success Story), after "parliamentary session;" insert “agrees that this legislation should be broad-reaching and include measurable and time-bound targets for areas of policy on which food impacts, including health and wellbeing, environmental sustainability, local economic prosperity, resilient communities and fairness in the food chain, as well as new powers that the devolved institutions might receive as a result of exiting the EU, such as animal welfare, food standards, and public procurement;”.

As an amendment to motion S5M-13876 in the name of Fergus Ewing (Celebrating Scotland’s Food and Drink Success Story), after "parliamentary session;" insert “agrees that this legislation should be broad-reaching and include measurable and time-bound targets for areas of policy on which food impacts, including health and wellbeing, environmental sustainability, local economic prosperity, resilient communities and fairness in the food chain, as well as new powers that the devolved institutions might receive as a result of exiting the EU, such as animal welfare, food standards, and public procurement;”.

Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 13/09/2018

That the Parliament congratulates Scotrenewables Tidal Power on the success of the first year of testing its 2 MW floating tidal stream turbine at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney; recognises that the turbine has set a new record for tidal generation by generating over 3 GW of power in 12 months; understands that this is equivalent to the annual electricity demand for around 830 UK households and that the turbine has at times supplied up to 25% of the energy demand of the Orkney islands; further understands that the 3 GW generated by the turbine is greater than that generated by the entire wave and tidal energy sectors in Scotland in the 12 years prior to its launch in 2016, and calls on the UK Government to introduce a programme of market support for tidal energy in the UK in order to help reach Scotland’s tidal power capacity as early as possible.

That the Parliament congratulates Scotrenewables Tidal Power on the success of the first year of testing its 2 MW floating tidal stream turbine at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney; recognises that the turbine has set a new record for tidal generation by generating over 3 GW of power in 12 months; understands that this is equivalent to the annual electricity demand for around 830 UK households and that the turbine has at times supplied up to 25% of the energy demand of the Orkney islands; further understands that the 3 GW generated by the turbine is greater than that generated by the entire wave and tidal energy sectors in Scotland in the 12 years prior to its launch in 2016, and calls on the UK Government to introduce a programme of market support for tidal energy in the UK in order to help reach Scotland’s tidal power capacity as early as possible.

To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to take any steps to encourage the European Council to support the European Commission’s proposals for a climate-neutral EU by 2050 at the European Council meeting in May 2019.

Current Status: Expected Answer date 09/01/2019

To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to take any steps to encourage the European Council to support the European Commission’s proposals for a climate-neutral EU by 2050 at the European Council meeting in May 2019.

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the EU adopting the European Commission’s proposals for a climate-neutral EU by 2050, and whether it considers that this is beneficial to the net-zero section of the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill.

Current Status: Expected Answer date 09/01/2019

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the EU adopting the European Commission’s proposals for a climate-neutral EU by 2050, and whether it considers that this is beneficial to the net-zero section of the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill.

To ask the Scottish Government what the levels of the pollutant, bisphenol A, are (a) at potential point sources such as landfill, sewage and paper sludge sites and (b) elsewhere in Scotland.

Answered byRoseanna Cunningham
(14/12/2018):

Data on Bisphenol A is not required to be routinely collected. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has, however, included BPA analysis of groundwater and fresh and marine surface waters alongside other substances routinely monitored for the purposes of the Water Framework Directive for a number of years at a range of locations across Scotland; and also holds a limited quantity of sewage and trade effluent data for BPA.

I will ask the SEPA’s Chief Executive to write to you with further details.

Current Status: Answered by Roseanna Cunningham on 14/12/2018

To ask the Scottish Government what the levels of the pollutant, bisphenol A, are (a) at potential point sources such as landfill, sewage and paper sludge sites and (b) elsewhere in Scotland.

To ask the Scottish Government for what reason Marine Scotland has not responded to the formal notifications made on 15 August and 7 September 2018 by Salmon & Trout Conservation Scotland and the Garynahine Estate, pursuant to Regulation 14 of the Environmental Liability (Scotland) Regulations 2009, requesting action in relation to alleged damage caused to wild Atlantic salmon populations by sea lice emanating from open cage salmon farms on Loch Roag, Isle of Lewis.

Answered byRoseanna Cunningham
(13/12/2018):

The letter issued by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) on 20 September 2018 in response to the communications from Salmon and Trout Conservation Scotland outlined our joint consideration, acknowledging that SNH are the competent authority under ELR in relation to terrestrial (including freshwater) protected species.

Current Status: Answered by Roseanna Cunningham on 13/12/2018

To ask the Scottish Government for what reason Marine Scotland has not responded to the formal notifications made on 15 August and 7 September 2018 by Salmon & Trout Conservation Scotland and the Garynahine Estate, pursuant to Regulation 14 of the Environmental Liability (Scotland) Regulations 2009, requesting action in relation to alleged damage caused to wild Atlantic salmon populations by sea lice emanating from open cage salmon farms on Loch Roag, Isle of Lewis.

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the Cross Tay Link Road not being included in the final list of funded projects under the Tay Cities Deal, whether it will provide alternative funding to allow the link road to be built.

Answered byMichael Matheson
(06/12/2018):

The Tay Cities Deal includes several Scottish Government commitments to support connectivity across the region in the coming years. It will lead to investment in low carbon and active travel hubs, better integration of public transport in Perth and developing Dundee Airport as well as the work which is already ongoing to produce a region wide strategic transport model.

As part of our previously stated commitment to invest £200 million in the area the Scottish Government will set out the details of the further £50 million in the coming months following discussions with regional partners.

Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 06/12/2018

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the Cross Tay Link Road not being included in the final list of funded projects under the Tay Cities Deal, whether it will provide alternative funding to allow the link road to be built.

To ask the Scottish Government when the second Strategic Transport Projects Review will be (a) completed and (b) published.

Answered byMichael Matheson
(29/11/2018):

Procurement for the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) is ongoing, it is expected that consultants will be appointed before the end of the calendar year. The Scottish Government has committed to complete the STPR2 during the lifetime of this Parliament and that it will be aligned with the next National Planning Framework (NPF4).

A detailed project programme will be drawn up once consultants have been appointed, which will set out planned dates for completion and publication of the review.

Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 29/11/2018

To ask the Scottish Government when the second Strategic Transport Projects Review will be (a) completed and (b) published.

To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce which projects are included in the pipeline for rail enhancements beginning in Control Period 6.

Answered byMichael Matheson
(28/11/2018):

An announcement on which projects will form the first part of the Control Period 6 portfolio will be made by the end of March 2019. In line with our published Rail Enhancements & Capital Investment Strategy, Transport Scotland continues to work closely with Network Rail and the Scottish Rail industry to determine the portfolio.

Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 28/11/2018

To ask the Scottish Government when it will announce which projects are included in the pipeline for rail enhancements beginning in Control Period 6.

To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the Waste Market Study referred to by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform in Parliament on 14 November 2018 (Official Report, c.8).

Answered byRoseanna Cunningham
(28/11/2018):

The report is currently being finalised by the study contractor. We will publish the findings as soon as possible, once the report has been considered by the study’s steering group, which includes representation from COSLA and the local authority waste managers’ network.

Current Status: Answered by Roseanna Cunningham on 28/11/2018

To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the Waste Market Study referred to by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform in Parliament on 14 November 2018 (Official Report, c.8).

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